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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Guest author Electa Rome Parks: Truths About Being a Published Author

After successfully self-publishing her debut novels The Ties That Bind and Loose Ends, Electa Rome Parks sold the rights to New American Library, a division of Penguin Group, with whom she signed a three book deal. Diary of a Stalker is her latest release.


It has been a pleasure, an honor and a privilege to be a published author; it is one of the true joys and accomplishments of my life. Not everyone has the opportunity to realize a dream and I feel totally blessed to be in that number. During my tenure as a published author, I’ve discovered certain truths.

1. You can’t please all of the people all of the time. Everyone is not going to love or even like your novels. And that’s OKAY.

2. Everyone, their mother and cousins will want to point out any editorial errors they may find within the pages of your books. Everyone’s a critic.

3. You don’t necessarily have to go to college to become a successful writer. I believe there are elements of writing that come naturally, just like breathing.

4. Everyone thinks they can write a book. However, every book in the marketplace isn’t necessarily a good book.

5. Everyone thinks their life story should be a book.

6. Talent will only get you so far. Sometimes it’s all about being in the right place at the right time.

7. The right “handlers”, i.e. agents, editors, PR person, make all the difference in the world.

8. Every novel has some element(s) of truth. Don’t believe the hype.

9. Writing is a business. Sales are the bottom line. No matter how talented you are, if you don’t have the sales, you won’t get the next deal.

10. There is such a synergy when creative minds come together; it’s magic.

11. There is such a sense of freedom and joy in having the ability, from the very core of your soul to express yourself to the world; it’s almost like giving birth.


12. The new “renaissance” authors are making history and creating legacies.

13. Writing is a lonely and hard business to be successful in. Most of us can’t quit our day jobs.

14. Every author should pen at least one book that gives back to the universe in a positive, appealing manner to the masses.

15. You have to have a real love affair with the beauty and power of words in order to stick with it because the industry, like a lover, will take you through ups and downs and sometimes screw you over.



I'm giving away an autographed copy of my new release, Diary of a Stalker, to two lucky readers! Winners will be selected randomly from the comment trail.

Electra's website: www.electaromeparks.com
On MySpace: www.myspace.com/author_chick
Facebook: www.facebook.com/electaromeparks
Blog: www.electaromeparks.blogspot.com

10 comments:

  1. Love your insight. I just got your book last week & hope to start reading it tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your gift with the world.

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  2. Thank you! I've been active in the literary arena for many years now and these are simply MY observations. They may be totally different for someone else.

    Thank you for your support.

    Peace & Blessings,

    Electa

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  3. Electa, thank you for being our guest!

    All true!

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  4. Liane,

    Thank you for inviting me! It is truly my pleasure.

    Best,

    Electa

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  5. Thanks for the insight. You are very right about those observations. Being a new (published) author, I am just begining to notice a few of the truths you've pointed out. My perceptions were so different to the reality of it all.

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  6. Jewel, it's quite a learning curve, isn't it? I did so much research, thought I was so prepared for the realities...

    Experience is indeed the best teacher.

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  7. You are very welcome, Jewel! Oh, I remember those days of the rose colored glasses. LOL.

    Take care.

    Electa

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  8. Thanks Electa for sharing your experiences and realities of the literary industry. I am an aspiring author and each time someone drops some literary knowledge, I try to soak it in as much as I can and take heed. Glad to see you address some of the misconceptions of the industry. Great insight and tips!! I wish you much success with all of your endeavors!!

    Unika Howell-Molden

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  9. Unika,

    I'm glad you enjoyed them! I'm sure you have a few you can add to my list as well.

    Much success,

    Electa

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  10. Electra--
    Sorry I didn't welcome you ten days ago when you came aboard. What can I say? I'm slack.

    What I meant to say but forgot to post, lo those many days ago, was:
    I enjoyed your take on the writing experience and your attitude towards the craft.
    Your work sounds interesting, too. I definitely intend to track your novel down.

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